One of my friend named, Reem, a high school student, who takes Women & Gender studies class asked me following questions as part of her project. I met Reem at the United Nations headquarters in New York. I told her about my activities and passion. I gave her following answers and thought to publish them as well. The idea of this post is to encourage the people to join our movement, He For She as well as to raise awareness.

Credits: Huffington Post

What inspired you to become a Feminist?

Ans: When I saw the cruelties and violence against women around the globe, I stood up against them and challenged dogmatic beliefs that were encouraging violence against women. I’m a feminist because of my and every mother, sister, and daughter around the globe. I’m a feminist because this world cannot advance alone. Both men and women can achieve a peaceful future together. It’s not just for our generations but for the generations to come.Continue reading →

“Darkness cannot drive out darkness; only light can do that. Hate cannot drive out hate; only love can do that.”
(Martin Luther King, Jr.)

I believe Peace can only be achieved without wars and by non-violent actions. We might first think that resolution of conflict can be occurred by using violence and force. If we see the history, wars always led us to more dangerous consequences. It endangered the living on planet. The concept of wars should be demolished now. It’s enough for the world suffered with the destruction of and by mankind.

Reflecting on some personal stories I have pinned many reason which motivated me to go for peace activities. In 2005, I was the victim of massive earthquake in Pakistan. 2009 and 2010 were the years when suicide bombings have had paralyzed the normal flow of life in my country. In the earthquake we lost many loved ones, many were wounded… it have stimulated me to join Pakistan Red Crescent Society. After the events in 2009/2010, I have taken part of Emergency Response Teams administering first Aid and search and rescue operation in the wake of attacks..

The first thing which comes in my mind when I hear “Violence against Women” is injustice, cruelty and an act which will destroy generations. It hurts me badly. To me it is brutality, butchery and barberry against one of the greatest creation of the God. A woman is mother, sister, wife, daughter or a girlfriend. How can we go to that extreme level to disrespect all the relations a woman might have and torture her mentally or physically? My souls trembles when I hear and as I am writing this, tears flows down my eyes while thinking about millions of the women being victimized because of this violence every day. No one even comes to know about that, as it is most of time not reported. Violence against women is not only a crime but it’s a serious disrespect towards humanity and the core values of civilization. It is humiliation, disgrace, dishonor, degradation and embarrassment against the name of passion, love, care, enmity, adoration and affection. To me, it is a barrier against the advancement and success of a woman. To me, it discourages the greatness and motivation of a woman who can achieve a good rank in society. It is a bad example and an act against nature because I believe God made man and woman for Love, care and affection not for torture or violence. Violence against women is a worst thing one can do to terrorize, victimize, isolate, coerce or threaten humanity. One of the greatest barriers to women’s economic progression is violence that women have to face routinely.